Smart reveals mentality on defending 'phenomenal' Steph originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Steph Curry has made defenders’ jobs a living hell while guarding him.
The Warriors superstar’s speed and constant off-ball movement forces defenders to chase him around screens and really never get a break.
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Even the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Celtics guard Marcus Smart, admitted he has to both mentally and physically prepare before guarding Curry.
“He's a great player. I think we all can agree on that, right?” Smart told reporters on Tuesday. “The dude is phenomenal and outstanding at what he does. It doesn't take one guy. It takes a full team effort. But when you're on him and the main defender, you have to be mentally prepared as well as physically prepared for what's to come.
“I think for me and this team, that's what we do -- first effort, second effort, third effort, fourth effort. Those multiple efforts is what we do, and we've just got to continue to do them.”
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Curry has been the leading scorer of the series, averaging 31.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and three steals in two games. He’s also shooting 46 percent from both the field and from the 3-point line.
But the Celtics' No. 1 ranked defense has been evident in the playoffs, and their anchor behind it all was named this year's DPOY for good reason.
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Smart's defensive IQ plus his athleticism is a tough matchup for Curry. And with the series all tied up in Boston, truly anything can happen in Game 3.
